By CESAR JOLITO III

Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya confirmed that the highlights of the annual MassKara Festival will still be celebrated on the fourth Sunday of October, as stipulated under Republic Act 11146.

This announcement comes after earlier moves by the Sangguniang Panlungsod to consider adjusting the schedule due to frequent rains during that period.

Despite weather concerns, Gasataya emphasized the importance of preserving tradition and legal adherence, especially since the law mandates the celebration’s climax on that specific Sunday.

In a significant development, the mayor also revealed that a new organizing team will oversee the upcoming MassKara Festival, signaling a fresh direction for Bacolod’s signature celebration.

“We are looking forward to revitalizing the festivities,” Gasataya said.

“And part of that vision includes studying the feasibility of returning the MassKara Arena Dance Competition to its roots — at the Bacolod Public Plaza,” he added.

The public plaza, which once served as the iconic venue for the street dancing spectacle, may soon be brought back to life as the centerpiece of cultural performances.

Gasataya said consultations and assessments are ongoing to ensure the space can accommodate the scale and safety requirements of today’s festival crowd./CJ, WDJ